MANILA – Power retailer Manila Electric Company (Meralco) denied rumors that it will shut off power Friday night due to typhoon Pepeng.

In a statement, Meralco noted that rumors about a supposed blackout have been circulating over the internet and text messages.

“It is unfortunate that rumors such as these are being circulated. We appeal to those who relay messages of this nature to please exercise prudence before sending messages that may cause panic,” it said.

A text message circulating in the Philippines about how to prepare for ‘Pepeng’ includes this: “charge phone coz Meralco will shut down areas tonight.”

Meralco said that despite the imminent typhoon, the company will provide electric service throughout its franchise area..

The Meralco franchise area covers the country’s capital Metro Manila, and nearby areas, including Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite and parts of Laguna, Quezon and Batangas, including several barangays in Pampanga.

“In preparation for typhoon Pepeng, Meralco is currently on alert with its crews ready for deployment to respond to any contingency,” the utility firm assured.

Only when necessary

The country’s biggest power retailer said it will only cut off power if such measure is necessary. But it stressed that it will inform the public before it would do so.

“Meralco will only cut off power if the situation calls for it and will put its customers in dire danger. This can be attested by the events that transpired during the onslaught of typhoon ‘Ondoy’,” it stressed.

When Tropical Storm ‘Ondoy’ (international code name: Ketsana) flooded various parts of its franchise area, Meralco shut down areas greatly affected by the floods to prevent further accidents.